Thescreescore – Spike Lee’s latest cinematic masterpiece, Highest 2 Lowest, boasts a star-studded cast, but one unexpected addition has captured the industry’s attention. Jeffrey Wright, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in Westworld and Casino Royale, recently revealed a surprising family connection to the film’s production in an interview with thescreescore.com. His son, Elijah Wright, landed a role alongside the legendary Denzel Washington, a fact that remained unknown to the elder Wright until days before the audition.
The film, a reimagining of Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low, features Washington as a powerful music mogul caught in a high-stakes ransom scheme. The ensemble cast includes a compelling mix of seasoned actors like Jeffrey Wright, ASAP Rocky, Ice Spice, and Dean Winters, alongside promising newcomers. Elijah Wright’s role as his father’s on-screen son marks his feature film debut.
According to Wright, his son’s audition tape for a different role caught the eye of director Spike Lee. Lee then arranged an audition with Washington himself. The ensuing conversation between Washington and Wright is a comedic anecdote in itself. Washington initially feigned ignorance of the outcome, only to reveal Elijah’s successful audition with a playful, "He did his best, but maybe there’ll be another day for him… just kidding!"
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"I didn’t even know he was going to be auditioning," Wright confessed, highlighting the surprise and pride he felt upon learning of his son’s achievement. He praised Elijah’s dedication and natural talent, noting his prior experience in filmmaking and current studies at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting. Washington also commented on Elijah’s performance, adding to the overall positive reception of the young actor’s debut.
Highest 2 Lowest opens in theaters nationwide on August 15th and will be streaming on Apple TV+ on September 5th. The film promises a compelling narrative, a stellar cast, and a heartwarming family story that adds another layer to its already intriguing premise. This unexpected familial twist adds a unique charm to the film’s behind-the-scenes story, further solidifying its position as a must-see cinematic event.
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